The County Government of Nakuru has begun the operationalization of stores for the distribution of the subsidized fertilizer to the delight of farmers.
The operationalization will see farmers receive the fertilizer, subsidized to Sh3, 500 a bag at a farmers’ cooperative society stores near their farms.
Already stores in Kiambogo, Gilgil Sub-County and Kiptororo in Kuresoi North Sub-County, have received the subsidized fertilizers for distribution to farmers in the area, with plans being at an advanced stage to stock Mauka Cooperative Warehouse in Mauche Ward, Njoro Sub-County.
While commissioning the facilities, Agriculture CECM Leonard Bor noted that the facilities will be significant in reducing the logistics cost for farmers which in return will help improve productivity and profitability.
“There is no need to pay more for fertilizer as the county has ensured that the fertilizer is availed near you at only Sh3, 500,” noted Bor.
He further noted that phase one of the distribution of the fertilizer focused on maize farmers and only the registered ones will receive the commodity.
Agriculture Chief Officer Kibet Kurgat, who accompanied officials from NCPB in a visit to Mauka cooperatives stores in Mauche to ascertain its suitability for storage and distribution of the subsidized fertilizer, noted that the facility would serve farmers beyond Nakuru.
“Farmers in Mau Narok, Lare and Kihingo are also set to benefit from this strategically placed store if stocked,” he added noting that small scale farmers were hard hit by the cost of farm inputs.
Agnes Njoki, a farmer in Kiambogo thanked the administration for the initiative highlighting that it will be significant in ensuring farmers plant at the right time since they’ve already prepared the land.
Mauka Cooperative Chairman, Bernard Terer assured of the cooperatives’ support to ensure the fertilizer is distributed and the small-scale farmers in the area benefit from the initiative.
By Anne Sabuni
